Neil McIntosh Editor of The Scotsman

Dear reader,

It's been another disturbing, often distressing, week in world affairs.

The relentless attacks on Ukrainian cities has led to heartbreaking scenes: young families being killed as they try to escape, residential areas reduced to rubble, an enormous wave of refugees seeking refuge to the west (and not aided by a shambolic UK response).

Even those moved to try and help face the threat of Russian forces, as two Scots gardeners found out this week. And, of course, those volunteering to fight for Ukraine - it's been claimed there are more than 100 from Scotland - will face even greater danger.

But there have been inspiring tales, too: the overwhelming desire of Scots to help with money and goods, and even offer up new jobs.

So it's clear these are as momentous as they are miserable times, and I'm immensely proud of the journalism The Scotsman has offered its readers over the last three weeks, as we have tried to track and explain what is going on.

Why should we accept museum-piece trains and roads?

Alistair Dalton's excellent coverage of the Carmont train crash investigation has been a good example of a story too important to ignore: a story of how apparent negligence led to three people losing their lives in 2020.

As we asked in our leader: why should we accept bad repairs, museum-piece trains and roads built for a bygone age? It feels like a lot is wrong with the transport infrastructure in this country, maybe even fatally so. And the warnings about safety have been around for years.

In these times, we all need a distraction: if you're that way inclined, Rangers' rousing win in Europe last night might have provided that, with further Scottish Cup action to come over the next four days.

A look to the weekend ahead

Others will hope to find joy in Saturday's rugby, when Scotland take on Italy in Rome. Our correspondent Graham Bean will be in the Eternal City for that one, with a Scotland side that has seen five changes from the disappointing defeat by France.

Remember, in celebration of the Six Nations, we're offering 30% off new annual subscriptions with the code SIXNTS30

And in tomorrow's Saturday Scotsman, we'll have the cheering tale of superstar baker Nadiya Hussain's rise to being a household name - she's chatting to our own Gaby Soutar - and we'll have the usual inspiring mix of food, drink, art, books and more in the magazine.

We hope it'll be a package that keeps you informed, of course, but also offers a little light in these troubled times. Have a wonderful weekend.

Best wishes,

Neil McIntosh

Editor, The Scotsman